Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 5

Richness, endemism and threat — the three ideas behind Myers’ hotspots.

Statement by statement

1. ✓ YES Hotspots are exceptionally species-rich.

2. ✗ NO Density of vegetation is not a criterion — a hotspot can be scrub or grassland.

3. ✓ YES The formal rule: at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.

4. ✗ NO Cultural or medicinal plant use is not part of the definition.

5. ✓ YES The second rule: at least 70% of the original habitat lost — the region is under threat.

6. ✗ NO Climate is not a criterion — the Mediterranean Basin and Cape region are hotspots too.

The idea

A hotspot is a place that is both irreplaceable and in danger. Irreplaceable means it has many species found nowhere else (endemism). In danger means most of its natural vegetation is already gone. Climate, density of forest and human use of plants are not part of the test.

Test 1: at least 1,500 plant species found nowhere else → Test 2: at least 70% of the original vegetation lost → Both true → biodiversity hotspot

The trap

Both example hotspots are wet tropical forests, so “warm and humid” and “dense vegetation” feel right. The criteria are about species and threat, not climate.

Also know

Norman Myers proposed the idea in 1988. There are 36 hotspots today. Together they cover only about 2.5% of the Earth’s land but hold more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics.